§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a Memorial from the Central Association of Irish Schoolmistressess and from the Ulster Schoolmistresses' Association, protesting against any withdrawal of the funds in the hands of the Intermediate Education Board from the purpose for which they were granted; whether the Board has recently established a new grade, introduced a programme of commercial studies, and made several changes giving larger pecuniary help to schools; whether the Intermediate Board anticipate that all the funds they possess will be needed to maintain the improved education that has been established; and whether, in view of the enormous advan- 1215 tages conferred on schools of every kind, and of every religious denomination, he still designs to introduce a Bill to divert part of these funds to found a Veterinary College in Dublin?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY, Newcastle-upon-Tyne)My attention has been called to the Memorial referred to. I understand that the Intermediate Education Commissioners are extending their operations this year. On the general question, I fear that I can hardly add to my previous replies.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTONIs it not a fact that when these funds are invested in Government Stock there will be a loss of £5,000 a year? Has the right hon. Gentleman written to the Commissioners or made any inquiries at all on the matter?
§ MR. J. MORLEYAs to the first question, I cannot say. As to the last inquiry, the hon. Member is misinformed.
§ MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)inquired if the Intermediate Board did not anticipate that all their funds would be needed to maintain the improved education now established? Could they not usefully employ the whole of their income?